People plunge into ice cold water to celebrate Epiphany around the world
According to the old Julian calendar, Epiphany falls on Jan 19 and orthodox believers mark it by immersing themselves in icy waters regardless of the weather. The water that is blessed by a cleric is considered holy and pure until next year’s celebration, and is believed to have special powers of protection and healing.
A couple takes a dip in icy waters during celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany on the Dnipro River in Kyiv, Ukraine. Orthodox believers mark Epiphany on January 19 by immersing themselves in icy waters regardless of the weather. (Photo: Reuters)